We see the blue, yellow, black, green, and red interlocked rings once again become a worldwide phenomenon. This time Rio de Janeiro holds the pleasure of awarding various gold, silver, and bronze medals to the worthy athletes. Children sit in anticipation awaiting their favorite events; hoping Gaby Douglas places, or that Ryan Lochte swims a personal best. Teens aspire to be like their favorite wrestler, or tennis player. Men and woman hope that someday their children may be as talented at something some day.
The events themselves are highlighted on TV, on the internet, and in various printed medias. The world knows who is winning, and who isn't. Viewers cheering on favorites and perhaps hoping the others don't do as well. As much attention as the games get I can't help but wonder what it would feel like if the whole world was watching me.
I put my head phones in and listen to my pump up playlist hoping that it brings me the energy I need. The familiar feeling of having a cap on and tightening the goggle straps allow for a moment of relief, I have practiced for this. I push the googles to my eyes and stand on the block. I shake my muscles to relax and then prepare for the dive. Deep breath in, out. Legs bent and arms stretched together above my head, I jump and feel the less than inviting, but ultimately comforting chill of the water. Toes pointed and legs strong I kick to the surface and begin the breast stroke, my stroke of choice, only pausing slightly to breathe. My arms and legs are going like mad to get back and forth across the pool faster than my opponents. Before I know my hand finally brushes against that tiled wall for the last time. I inhale deep as I look at the board to see if my hand hit first.
Sitting on the chair waiting for my turn, I practice the moves with precision in my head. First pose, hold, spin, leap, back handspring, front tuck, stick the landing. The rhythm of the music beats in sync with my heart. The music is with me I can feel it. My name is called and I walk to the center of the floor. First pose, hold. The music begins and I take flight. The moves flow through my muscles like a well oiled machine. The adrenaline drives my final tumbling pass. Round-off, back handspring, back-layout, stick the landing. The music cuts off exactly as I played in my head, I held my final pose and waited for the wonderfully inevitable applause. My coach greets me with a hug and a smile, both hoping for the ever rare higher than 10 score for the routine on the floor.
We as viewers don't think about what it is like to be in the mindset of the athletes themselves. The 2016 Summer Olympics, something to be proud to say you were a part of. Something you will remember forever. Good luck to all contestants, and don't forget to love what you're doing.
